In 2023, researchers oxidized orange-peel waste for 1 hour and recovered 55% of its sugars; engineered E. coli produced up to 393 mg of PHB

Researchers have developed a method to convert orange peel waste into plastic. This process extracts sugar from peels, which then feeds bacteria. These bacteria produce polyhydroxybutyrate, a biodegradable plastic material. This innovation offers a sustainable alternative to traditional petroleum-based plastics. It could significantly reduce landfill waste and aid the plastic crisis.